Putting the ball over the line has become something of an art form for Tommy Makinson.

The 22-year-old winger has been wowing fans with his deadly and spectacular finishes. He’s notched 10 this season to date – and none seem to be simple and straightforward.

Whether it’s diving in one handed at the corner or plucking the ball out of mid-air, the flyer already has one try of the month award to his name…with more surely to follow.

“I’ve been getting a lot of stick from the lads, as they say I can’t just slide normally over the line anymore,” he said. “It’s a skill and something I have worked really hard on.

“Wingers in the NRL pride themselves on how they finish a try, and that is what I am paid to do. I save tries and finish them, and the more I can do it the better for me and the team.

“My first try in the win over Leeds was one of those ‘spectacular’ ones, I suppose. But the second…I just bided my time because I was that scared. It was a great piece of skill from Lance Hohaia and Jonny Lomax – it was a great kick, but a really bad one too.

“It just took the worst possible bounce and I was waiting for it to settle, but it didn’t. I saw the sideline coming so I thought I’d better pick it up – and thankfully I did.”

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That vital score was Makinson’s eighth of the season – and probably his most important, handing Saints a 14-10 victory and sending Langtree loud.

He’s a humble lad though, preferring to do his job for the Saints and shunning the plaudits.

And, typically, he paid tribute to his teammates for his form to date, as well as former wing partner Francis Meli.

“I’m pleased with my form, but you have to remember the lads inside me,” he added.

“Jordan Turner has been playing brilliantly, and Luke Walsh has been tremendous.

“The forwards make it easier too, as every set is an attacking one. I’m having a great year and I’m happy with that, but the credit has to go to those guys who make it easier for me.

“I have to thank Franny too. He was great for the younger players here and would take the backs to one side and practise things like putting the ball down.

“He is a genuine fella who helped my game no end.

“I’m training hard every day to get better, and one thing I’ve worked on is coming inside and making metres. The forwards are 120kg blokes who can’t go all day, so I get the nod and I come in and help.

“Wing play is different in the modern game. You are almost a second full back, so I have set myself a target to help out in the middle, make metres and have more carries.”

The average age of the team that beat Leeds was 22, and this is Makinson’s third season in the red vee.

He’s been labelled an experienced player by Nathan Brown, but the former Wigan St Jude feels the same as he did on his first day.

“I feel experienced but I’m still a kid when I come in,” Makinson says. “I look up to Paul Wellens and the other experienced players and realise how good being here is.

“I’m living the dream really. I know people are talking about England, but all I care about is St Helens.

“I love pulling on the jersey, and all I want to do is play and help the club lift a trophy.”

and Luke Walsh has been tremendous.

“The forwards make it easier too, as every set is an attacking one. I’m having a great year and I’m happy with that, but the credit has to go to those guys who make it easier for me.

“I have to thank Franny too. He was great for the younger players here and would take the backs to one side and practise things like putting the ball down.

“He is a genuine fella who helped my game no end.

“I’m training hard every day to get better, and one thing I’ve worked on is coming inside and making metres. The forwards are 120kg blokes who can’t go all day, so I get the nod and I come in and help.

“Wing play is different in the modern game. You are almost a second full back, so I have set myself a target to help out in the middle, make metres and have more carries.”

The average age of the team that beat Leeds was 22, and this is Makinson’s third season in the red vee.

He’s been labelled an experienced player by Nathan Brown, but the former Wigan St Jude feels the same as he did on his first day.

“I feel experienced but I’m still a kid when I come in,” Makinson says. “I look up to Paul Wellens and the other experienced players and realise how good being here is.

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“I’m living the dream really. I know people are talking about England, but all I care about is St Helens.

“I love pulling on the jersey, and all I want to do is play and help the club lift a trophy.”

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